Progress of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Neuromuscular Training in Rehabilitation across Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202605306

Author(s)

Qi Sun, Bo Peng

Affiliation(s)

School of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Civil Affairs University, Beijing, China

Abstract

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain neuromodulation technique capable of reshaping cortical excitability and inducing neural neuroplasticity. With the advantages of easy operation, low cost, and a favorable safety profile, combining it with standardized neuromuscular training has emerged as a research focus in the rehabilitation of motor dysfunction. This review synthesizes evidence from animal experiments, clinical trials, and meta-analyses, summarizing the current status of this combined intervention across six conditions: stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, knee osteoarthritis, and chronic low back pain. A cross-disease comparison is conducted across three dimensions: pathological rationale, clinical efficacy, and evidence quality. Existing studies indicate that stroke-related mechanistic research is the most systematic, yet conclusions from multicenter trials exhibit heterogeneity. Patients with knee osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain can achieve demonstrable synergistic benefits from combined central and peripheral intervention. Parkinson's disease trials have been increasing annually, but meta-analysis findings remain divergent. Research on multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury remains in the exploratory phase, with promising potential that justifies further investigation. The heterogeneity in treatment responses across diseases stems from multiple factors, including pathological characteristics, neuroplasticity reserve, and the lack of standardized protocols. Future efforts should promote cross-disease comparative studies, establish standardized intervention protocols, identify predictive biomarkers, distinguish optimal patient populations, and facilitate the translation of this intervention model to individualized clinical rehabilitation.

Keywords

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Neuromuscular Training; Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders; Cross-Disease Rehabilitation

References

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